Maria is a highly experienced advocate in the planning jurisdiction, appearing in both VCAT and Planning Panels Victoria. She has developed an expertise in large Environmental Effects Statement matters through working on the Melbourne Metro Project and desalination plant in Wonthaggi, as well as long, complex VCAT cases with multiple parties and complex issues. Maria worked as a ministerial adviser to the Hon. John Thwaites when he was Deputy Premier of Victoria, Planning Minister and Minister for Health.